Legacy of Franks on the Main

Frankfurt am Main reveals its legacy as “the ford of the Franks on the Main”. It is believed that Charlemagne reached the banks of the river, but could not get across. All of a sudden, two deers chased out from the misty forest and ran across a ford of this Frankish lands. Charlemagne and his army followed suit and managed to conquer the Saxon territory in the late 700s.

Currently the fifth-most populous city in Germany, it is a capital of finance and business, hosting some of Europe’s key trade fairs. The Eurotower serves as the seat of the European Central Bank and hosts the ECB Banking Supervision. Thanks to its excellent public transportation and expansive greenery, it ranks highly among most liveable cities in Germany.

Across the Iron Footbridge over the river Main, you will reach the Goethe House, which is the birthplace and childhood home of German poet and playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. A 10-minute walk brings you to Römerberg. Reconstructed after World War II, the ornately gabled half-timbered buildings remind you how beautiful the city's medieval core once was.

Twinkling lights, bows and a shining star on top. Immerse yourself in the Christmas vibe next to the Old St. Nicholas Church. The wedding of Landgrave Wilhelm of Hesse and the daughter of the Elector of the Palatinate in 1393 marked the origin of the Christmas market. At that time, the Christkindchesmarkt was an exclusively Frankfurt affair, with no outsiders allowed.

Enjoy the traditional Frankfurt sausages with a cup of mulled wine or hot Äppler. Mugs are redesigned with detailed motifs annually to tell its little story. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the modernist design movement on the Main, “New Frankfurt”, “City of Architecture” was the theme in 2024, with the historic Grossmarkthalle and the new European Central Bank building.

Those sweet delicacies are not only typical of Frankfurt, but a piece of history that we can taste. The “Quetschemännchen” was once more than just a delicacy. It served as a way for shy admirers to express their affection in the 19th century. A painted walnut for head, with arms and legs made of prunes. She would keep the gift if the beloved was interested, otherwise it would be returned and the suitor was out of luck.

A heartbreaking moment in Germany. At least five have been killed in the vehicle-ramming attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg. While the police was investigating the suspected driver, a Saudi doctor with a history of his anti-Islam rhetoric, people commemorated in the Christmas Market in several cities. God bless Germany. May peace lives in our hearts.